Rick & Cheri,
The situation here is indeed getting grim in regard to Kevin.
I went to see Ms Marie last eve and found NOT the good news
that Kevin's surgery was a success but that it was being
further delayed over the issue of $$$. In spite of the fact
that she had told the hospital she could not afford to come
up with $3500 for the surgery to be done at a private hospital,
(plus corresponding other charges) and they HAD scheduled it
for Fri (14th) they are now telling her they didn't do it
because they are waiting to see if she can come up with the
money for the private hospital. I think it sounds like they
mean can she come up with the money to pay themselves,
(preferably in advance). And this delay just adds another 10
days (minimum) to the charges which they ominously 'warned'
her was going to be 'ennormous'. I would say that with the
extension of time and previously unknown charges this is
going to hit them for $US4-5000 - or about a year's income!
They usually only do surgery on Fri but as this Fri(21)is a
holiday (Belize Independence Day I think) it will be postponed
until Monday(24th).
Since Ms Marie has a loan out now for laundry machines the bank
will not give her another loan.
If there is anyway you, your church, any group or list you can
alert, etc can help, I will do what I can on this end. (either
get you a bank account # for them or set up a special one as an
assistance fund of which any excess can be used for future
families in need, or a check sent by DHL which I can deposit for
her and give her the cash, or whatever).
I fear that there will be complications if Kevin does not get
his surgery soon.
Thanks'n'hugs, Jude

I know it is difficult in a time like this, but this young man needs ANYONES help!!! Beginning to think we should do the benefit in November for him...Saga seems to be in good shape. If anyone can help, please email us at rickcheri@hotmail.com...it could be the difference in him being able to walk again..he is only 15. Let's see if we can dig a little deeper for some spare change!!

how do we send money?

Hi, I have also received this mail from Jude. I, today have sent letters to many,many agencies and newspapers to try to find a way to help Kevin. If I get any replies I will let all of you know.
One was sent to Michael Jordan, another to a mans magazine and several to agencies that aid internationally. Hopefully it will all come together for Kevin and Ms. Marie. (Gabriel took a nasty fall as well and is injured)

Hi again Listeroos and especially our beloved Dr. Rosado:

I once again spoke to Ms. Marie yesterday and she is still glum. The family got all dressed up and went into the City on Friday expecting the surgery and did not happen. Either the weight used to try to align Kevin's hip bones fell off or her took it off (she wasn't sure), so he is still in traction.

Ms. Marie says she spoke with some Cuban Dr. by the name of Olivera (sp?), who again advised her to pay a private hospital the $3500 BZ to do the surgery. She does not have the money and told him so. The Cuban Dr. then asked her where the boy's father is, to which she replied he is dead, which he is.

She says she also spoke with Dr. Waight, who mentioned to her that Dr. Rosado has been checking on her son, yes. Thank you Dr. Rosado. She also says that Dr. Waight cautioned her that the hospital bill will be high (but he didn't say how much). Since the surgery has been delayed, I expect the daily cost of the internment will run higher than expected.

Ms. Marie says she also tried to see Dr. Rosado, but that Dr. Rosado's secretary told her he was busy. Not sure if Dr. Rosado knew she was outside his office.

In any case, I have not accepted any monies on their behalf. As soon as Dr. Rosado intervened with help and information, and the list moved towards making donations to the KHMH hospital instead, I moved away from the financial aspect of the situation.

However, the family still needs money. The longer the child stays interned in the hospital, the higher the hospital bill. Anyone wishing to make a donation to Kevin (not sure of his last name) please advise Dr. Rosado, preferably with a copy to me, so that I can notify Ms. Marie here how much donations have been received at the hospital towards her sons bills. That way she can have a better idea of how much more she needs to come up with.

Dr. Rosado, if you can give me a more up to date time frame of the child's hospital stay, I will be glad to relay the message to the family. The trip to the city for the surgery cost the family about $150 BZ.

Cheers,
Wendy

Hi Marty,

Thanks a bunch. Below is a US Online account I have. I can monitor the
deposits from there (Online) and pay out to Ms. Marie here. I would still
appreciate the people depositing to inform me with an email, as I'd like to
keep a list of their names and amount of donation.


Thanks for your help. I think that since you posted on the AC board, I've
gotten at least 4-5 emails regarding the matter. I only got 2 off the CC
board - One concern and One donation. THe donation was delivered to Ms.
Marie this morning and she was happy for it in a very humble way. She is
really an incredible woman.


Cheers,
Diane


****************************************************************************
***********


Bank Information:


DIANE E. KUYLEN
ROUTING # 091000022 / ACCOUNT # 104771989738


US BANK
Robbinsdale Office / ROBB0021
4000 West Broadway Avenue
Robbinsdale, MN 55422

Dian..what is your email addy???? Can we just send a check and where???Is there someone on the island we can send it to??

I sure this has already happened but has anyone checked with the Shriners about the possibility of having him leave Belize and have the surgery done in the US. Not sure if the Shriners take children from foreign countries with this type of injury and he could be above the age limit. But it could be worth a try.

Hi rickcheri,
Yes there is an address, here it is.

Ms. Marie Osmon
C/O Marie's Laundormat
P.O.BOX 63
Caye Caulker, Belize, CA

I just received this myself, yesterday, and am happy to pass it on to you and all interested.
This address came to me from another person that had a contact with Diane.
I have also learned that many of the Caye Caulker people are doing what they can as friends by giving $ to her, to make the trip to and from the mainland, bringing foods to take to him, since the hospital food isn't good (so I hear) and are being as supportive as possible. Its quite a different situation than we are familiar with. The Belizeans come to each other's needs as best they can with what they have to offer. It still remains that the $$ is needed for his medical/surgical care though.
Thank you for your offer to help them, I have been trying as well. My friend that has sent me this address is also sending it out to many of her friends in hope to get more help to the family and Kevin. My friend is a Belizean lady that lives in Texas with a heart as big as all outdoors.

I got Marie's full name and account Number for you.
Marie Osman
Atlantic Bank, Caye Caulker branch acct # 200-67522-1
It takes 2 months for a foreign check to clear but if
you can do a transfer from your account to hers she should
get it immediately.
If you prefer I'll give you my account # but I think it
is best if it goes right to her.
She says to Thank you - profusely. I told her I'd try to get
you over to meet her & Kevin when you next visit here.
This should guarantee the surgery gets done on Mon 24th which
is the next time they do surgery.
Thanks ever so much,
Jude

kcbc ..Nope I, personally hadn't thought of the Shriners. How would one make that contact? a phone call or what?

well it took me a while to find it but they have a web site at www.shrinershq.org/

Maybe if it can't help Kevin we can get more organized for the next child in Belize that needs help. One of the children in my village has medical problems and I believe that he is sponsered by some hospital in Michigan for his continuing health problems. Next time I am down I will try to check out what program it is or find the connection.

NYGal....is the woman you know here in Texas named Christine????

NO, but if she is working on it, that too is helpful. My friend is Margaret.

One note about overseas wire transfers. They cost -- $25.00 at my bank. You might consider sending a money order or cashier's check instead. I've been told they are easier to cash.

Kathy

I have spoken with the Shriners and there MAY be a way to help Kevin, it isn't a difinate yes, yet. It's all in the paperwork at this point and many others are working in other directions to get things rolling.

Good input KC.
Thanks

Just another mention, even if the Shriners help Kevin, it will be in the US. This means that all of his Belize expenses still need to be addressed. Thanks

I am keeping my fingers crossed and hoping that the Shriners will come through. A wonderful organization. Two other things I noticed is that one of the orthopedic hospitals is in Tampa and the Belizeans there do have an organization. Might be possible to appeal to them to put up the guardian that will have to come with Kevin.
Not sure if Kevin would be able to fly on a regular commericial plane but if that becomes a possibility you might ask if in leu of money if they would take donated air line miles to cover the cost of tickets. Maybe we could appeal to people to donate some miles for this boy.
Hoping that it works out.

Hi all, I believe we have come up against a wall, with the Shriners idea. Wonderful as it is, time is of great importance and I believe we have found Kevin to be having his surgery, this coming Monday, in Belize. This is naturally good for him, but there is still a financial burden that the family needs help with.
kcbc...another good idea was the air miles. As you have mentioned, we can at least have this knowledge ready if there is another child that needs the help from the Shriners. They are ready and willing, it's just a paperwork situation at present and the hospital has given us the impression that he will have his surgery Monday.
If anyone was waiting until we found all this information to donate, the donations are still really needed. Diane's account is the one that monetary donations should be sent to. Thank you all again for what you have given.

Is there an update on this?

Monday was supposed to be the day. He had some hold ups that didn't allow the surgery to be performed. It has been a long difficult time for Kevin, I am sure. I'm waiting to hear if he had the surgery. Thank you for asking. I'll get back to the board with news. ASAP

Update..........Kevin had his surgery and is anxious to get out of the hospital, as any young child would be. There's still some recouperation time in the hospital but at least we know that he had the surgery. Hurrah !

I bought some postcards to send to Kevin, but I've lost the address to send them to. Anybody got it?

Kathy

Marie's full name is up in the beginning posts...you would just send it..Marie_____, General Delivery, Caye Caulker, Belize, CA....they don't have "mailboxes"...if they did, I'm not sure there would be anyone to deliver it??!!LOL NYGal.....you positive they did Kevin's surgery today? Haven't heard from Jude??? C&R

Kevin's address is:

Kevin Reynolds
Caye Caulker
Belize
Central America

Yes, he had his surgery. It was definately done, on Monday.

At least some good news !... Hope Kevin is recovering well !...